Chapter 7
Chapter Seven
Samantha
Of all the men. I had to get that one. Mr. Monopoly. But damn if he didn’t look just as sexy tonight as he did in the coffee shop.
The second I arrived home, I went straight to Zoey’s room and opened the door, where she and Maya were sitting on her bed, scrolling on their phones.
“You’re home.” Zoey smiled.
“You are in big trouble, little lady. And grounded for the rest of your life.” I pointed at her.
“How much did you go for?” she asked. “And who bid on you? Is he hot? Young? Old?”
“I am so mad at you right now, Zoe. Why the hell would you do that and not tell me?”
“Because, Mom, I knew you wouldn’t. I thought it would be fun for you. You deserve to go on a date. You haven’t since—”
“Because I don’t want to date right now!”
“Remember, Sam, it’s for a good cause,” Maya said.
“Ugh.” I sat on the edge of the bed.
“So, who is he?” Zoey asked. “Who’s the lucky guy that gets to take my mom out?”
“Mr. Monopoly,” I sighed.
“Who?” Maya’s brows furrowed.
“You mean the guy you had a run-in with at the coffee shop a couple of weeks ago?” Zoey asked.
“Yes. His name is Weston Castile, CEO of Castile Properties.”
“Holy shit. A billionaire?”
“Watch your mouth,” I said.
“How much did he bid?” Maya asked.
“$200,000.”
“What?” Zoey laughed. “He must have wanted you badly. Which, honestly, I’m surprised with how you’re dressed.”
“Your fault! Had you told me, I would have dressed better! I looked like a fool up on that stage. So, thank you very much.”
“Obviously, you didn’t if Mr. Monopoly bid $200,000 on you,” Zoey said.
“He’s picking me up, and we’re going out tomorrow evening. But don’t worry. I’ll be home early.” I got up from the bed and went to my room.
Weston
Finn followed me home. I poured us a scotch, and we took it out on the terrace and sat down.
“I can’t believe your date is the woman from the coffee shop,” he said. “What are the odds?”
“I know. I couldn’t believe it when I saw her up on that stage.”
“She’s a beautiful woman, Wes. Behave yourself.”
“She is, and I can’t make any promises,” I smirked.
“Where are you taking her to dinner?”
“I don’t know yet. Perhaps I’ll cater from Barone, and we’ll eat dinner here.”
“You can’t. You need to be out in public where the press can photograph you. Kylie is making calls as we speak. In fact, if you want Barone, you’d better call them now and make a reservation.”
Pulling my phone from my pocket, I dialed their number.
“Good evening. Thank you for calling Barone. How may I help you?”
“This is Weston Castile. I need a reservation for two for tomorrow night at seven-thirty. Make sure it’s a corner table for privacy.”
“I’m sorry, Mr. Castile, but we’re completely booked for tomorrow night.”
I glanced at Finn, and he rolled his eyes. “She must be new,” he mouthed.
“Is Patty available?”
“Yes. I’ll get her. Hold please.”
“Mr. Castile, what can I do for you?”
“I need a reservation for two for tomorrow evening at seven-thirty. A corner table would be appreciated.”
“You’re all set. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow evening.”
“Thank you.” I ended the call. “What are you doing?” I asked Finn, who pulled out his phone.
“Texting Kylie to let her know you’ll be at Barone tomorrow night.” He grinned.
It was late when Finn left, so I went upstairs, brushed my teeth, and climbed into bed. Tomorrow night would be interesting, and with any luck, I’d bring her home and fuck her senseless. But somehow, I highly doubted she would. But I did pay $200,000, and I expected more than just a nice dinner.
Samantha
“No. No. No. I’m changing,” I said.
“You are not changing,” Greta said, sprawled across the bed. “You changed four times. We’re out of dresses. That’s the dress.”
“I think it’s too much.”
“It’s a date, Sam. It’s supposed to be too much.”
“It’s not a date! It’s a transaction a man made for charity, which is somehow worse.” I turned sideways and looked at myself. “I look like I’m trying and I’m not.”
“You look great, Mom,” Zoey said, from the doorway. She walked in and fell on the bed next to Greta. “Turn around.”
I turned and looked at her.
“Yeah. That’s the one. Don’t touch it.” She nodded.
The left strap of my dress fell off my shoulder.
“Can you please tighten this strap for me?” I looked at Zoey.
She jumped off the bed and stood behind me. “Listen, Mom. I know you. You get scared, and you get mean. You kind of go in swinging right off the bat.”
“She has a point,” Greta smirked.
“I do not!”
“You absolutely do. And tonight, I’m asking you not to. It’s one dinner at a fancy restaurant. I Googled Weston Castile, and he’s hot. The worst thing that could happen is that you have a nice time. So do me a favor.”
“What?”
“Have fun.” She held up her finger. “And don’t be an asshole.”
Greta snorted.
“No promises.” I slipped my feet into my heels.
“I tried.” Zoey shrugged. “As much as I would like to stay and meet the dude, I have to get to Maya’s. Have fun, don’t be an asshole, and I want to hear all about it tomorrow.”
“Did you pack your toothbrush?” I asked.
“Yes, Mother.” She rolled her eyes and walked out of the room.
“I have to run as well,” Greta said, grabbing her purse.
“And when is your date again?” I asked her.
“Next Friday.” She grinned. “He had to go out of town for business and won’t be back until Thursday. To quote your daughter, ‘have fun and don’t be an asshole.’” She kissed my cheek. “If you need saving, call or text me.”
After she left, I glanced at the clock, and it was six fifty. My belly twisted in a knot knowing he’d be here in ten minutes.